Time element relay



April 30; 1940. o. s. FIELD TIME ELEMENT RELAY- -l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filedon. 14, 1938 lNVENTO m I MM M H M A HAM J '0. S. FIELD TIME ELEMENTRELAY 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 FM on. 14, 1938 ATToRNlEY Q. S. FIELD TIMEELEMENT RELAY April 30, 1940.

10 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 14, 1958 ATTORNEY April .30, 1940* o. s.FIELD TIME ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENApril 30, 1940. o. s. FIELD 2.199.335

TIME ELEMENT RELAY I Filed Oct. 14, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 lNVEN FIG. 8.

AP 1940- o. s. FIELD 2.199.335

nus ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 10 Sheets-Sheet 6 FIG. 9.

13 INVENTO l 1940- o. s. FIELD;

TIME ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 10' Sheets-Sheet 7 INVE ATTORNE.Y

April 30, 1940. o, 151514; 2.1 99335 TIME ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14,1938 .10 Sheets-Sheet 8 FIG. 11.

INVEN4TOR 0 5, 914%,

April 30, 1940. Q, 5, HELD 7 2,199,335

' mm ELEMENT RELAY Filed Oct. 14, 1938 INVENTO BY 45% MM% ATTORNEY 1QSheets-Sheet 10 Patented Apr. 30, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE eralRailway Signal Company,

Rochester,

Application October 14, 1938, Serial No. 234,930

34 Claims.

This invention relates ingeneral to relays, and has more particularreference to relays of the time element type, which are capable ofgeneral use, but are particularly adapted for use in connection withrailway signalling systems, andthe like.

The present application is a continuation, in part, of my pendingapplication Ser. No. 85,537, filed June 16, 1936, for Time elementrelays.

In general, it is proposed, in accordance with the present invention, toprovide a time element relay which responds to the energization of itscontrolling circuit to energize a timed circuit only after apredetermined period of time has elapsed, there being means for readilyand accurately adjusting the predetermined time period to be measured.

More specifically, it is proposed to provide a magnetic relay structureof the tractive armature type which is operable, upon energization ofone controlling circuit, to move an armature in one direction from anormal biased intermediate position, whereby to start the operation of arotary contact operating means, or timing 2 gear, by means of a constantspeed electric motor, whereby to start measuring of a time interval.After this operation has occurred, a second Winding on the magneticstructure is energized to operate the armature in a different direction.The last operation of the armature operates contacts controlling theexternal time delay or timed circuits, and also deenergizes the electricmotor. The timing gear then returns to its normal position preparatoryfor a subsequent operation, but the relay armature is held in its lastoperated position as long as the relay controlling circuit is closed,

In one form of the invention, it is proposed to provide a checking meansfor preventing an unduly short time of operation from resulting in theabove relay, in the event the rotary operating means or timing gear doesnot return to its starting position. More specifically, it is proposedto prevent the operation of the timing gear by the electric motor unlessthe gear has fully returned to its initial or starting position, andthus insure that whenever the timed circuit is closed, an accuratelypredetermined time has first elapsed after the energization of the relaycontrolling circuit.

It is also proposed, in another form of the invention, to insure thatthe timed circuit shall not be closed unless a proper time interval haselapsed after energization of the relay, by providing means whereby thetimed circuit is held open until not only the motor is deenergized, butuntil the timing gear has returned to substantially its initial orstarting position.

Other objects, purposes and characteristic features of the presentinvention will appear as the description progresses, reference beingmade to the accompanying drawings showingthe inven-. tion by way ofexample, and in-no manner whatsoever in a limiting sense. In thedrawings:

Fig. 1 is a rear elevational view, showing in a simplified anddiagrammatic manner, a time element device embodying one form of thepresent invention.

Fig. 2 is a sectional side elevational view of Fig. 1, with circuitconnections shown, to illustrate one method of operating this form ofthe invention.

Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are diagrammatic views illustrating a second, andsomewhat different form, of the present invention, respectively, in fourdifferent operative positions.

Fig. '7 is a diagrammatic view of a third form of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a partly structural, and partly diagrammatic view, with partsseparated for clarity, of the above referred to second form of theinvention,

Fig. 9 is a sectional elevational View of an actual commercial deviceembodying the above referred to second form of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a sectional view on line ill-40 of Fig. 9, and viewed in thedirection of the arrows. Fig. 11 is a sectional view on line ll-H ofFig. 9, and viewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view on line l2 l2 of Fig. 9, and viewed in thedirection of the arrows.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view on line l3l3 of Fig. 9, and viewed in thedirection of the arrows.

Fig. 14 is a sectional fragmentary view on line [IL-I4 of Fig. 12, andviewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 15 is a sectional fragmentary view on line it's-l5 of Fig. 11, andviewed in the direction of the arrows.

Fig, 16 is a fragmentary side elevation of a commercial time elementstructure, in accordance with the third form of invention.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view on line ITI1 of Fig. 16, and viewed in thedirection of the arrows.

Fig. 18 is a sectional view on line l8-l8 of Fig. 16, and viewed in thedirection of the arrows.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view, on line l9|9 of Fig. 18, and viewed in thedirection of the arrows.

The time element device, in accordance with the first form of theinvention, is illustrated in the accompanying drawings by Figs. 1 and 2,and includes a tractive type electro-magnetic structure which has beenshown in a much simplified and diagrammatic manner, as comprising twospaced electro-magnetic cores 5 and 6, joined at their upper ends bymagnetic straps I and terminating in enlarged pole pieces 8 and 9. Thecores 5 and 6 carry main windings l2 and I4 respectively, and anarmature Ii) is pivotally carried beneath these pole pieces 8 and 9 bypivot pins I I to operate into a position completing the magneticcircuit between the lower ends of cores 5 and 6. This magnetic structuremay be supported by an insulating top plate, and the other mechanicaldetails may be arranged in accordance with the usual practice in railwaysignalling apparatus. For example, the portion of the magnetic structurethus far described may be constructed as disclosed in my prior Patent,No. 1,824,129, granted September 22, 1931.

In the present magnetic structure, however, the pole pieces 8 and 9 areprovided with rearward magnetic extension 8 and 9 which extensions carrydownwardly extending cores 5 and I8 respectively, likewise terminatingin enlarged pole pieces I6 and I8 and, respectively, carrying auxiliarywindings 20 and 2|. The ends of armature 10 are provided with dependinglower magnetic extensions, or arms, Ill and H1 extending downwardly infront of the pole pieces I6 and I8- respectively. With this arrangement,it will be clear that armature I0 is operable upwardly from itsillustrated position to magnetically interconnect the pole pieces 8and.9,and is also operable downwardly to magnetically interconnect thepole pieces [6 and I8 through the extensions I0 and I0 Armature [0 alsocarries a downwardly extend ing fork member, illustrated as two spacedarms 24, suitably attached at their upper ends to the lower face ofarmature [0. A timing gear wheel 25, is carried between the lower endsof arms 24. This timing gear 25 is illustrated as attached to anenlarged diameter portion of a hub 26, the hub 26 having smallerdiameter end portions extending through the arms 24 to form bearingspermit ting rotation of gear 25 between the arms 24. The gear wheel 25is biased in a counter clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2, by ahelical spring 30, attached at its inner end to the hub 25, and at itsouter end to the arm 24, by means of a pin 3|. The counter clockwisebiased rotation of the timing gear 25, is limited by an insulating pin34, suitably attached thereto near its outer edge and engaging one ofthe arms 24, as shown in Fig. 2, whereby to determine the normal, atrest, position, of gear 25.

Suitable contacts are also carried by armature 10, one of which has beenillustrated in Fig. 2 as a finger 36, attached to armature II] byinsulating spacers 31, and carrying suitable low resistance contacts atits outer end. In addition to the usual circuit controlling function,the ilustrated contact means is also employed to center or determine thenormal position of the armature assembly. More specifically, the weightof the armature l0 and the timing gear assembly carried thereby, biasesthe contact finger 36 downwardly to engage a contact surface of astationary horizontal spring finger 39, the spring finger 39 beingcarried at its rear portion by a rigid stop member 40, while the frontend portion of spring 39 is bent downwardly and around the end of thestop member 40, whereby to limit the upward travel of finger 39.

The spring finger 39 is provided with a predetermined trapped upwardbiasing force which is suificient to balance the downward force exertedthereon by finger 36, thus determining the normal position of thearmature assembly. The armature finger 35 is also operable upwardly toengage a suitable fixed contact 4|, and it is to be understood thatvarious additional contacts may also be operated by armature In, whichadditional contacts may be of the usual construction.

The timing gear 25 is movable, by a downward movement of armature l0,into mesh with a pinion gear 45, driven by a suitable constant speedmotor M, through reduction gearing means G, but normally gear wheel 25is held in its illustrated position, and out of mesh with pinion gear45. In this embodiment of the invention, motor M is operated onalternating current energy, and may be of the self-starting synchronoustype, such as used in electric clock mechanism, and the like. The gearmechanism G may also be of the type used in clocks; or any suitable gearreduction arrangement operable to drive pinion gear in a counterclockwise direction at a slower speed than the speed of motor M,may beemployed. The present device, however, is not limited to an alternatingcurrent motor, or a gear mechanism of this type, as any self-startingmeans for operating the pinion gear 45 at the desired constant speed maybe used, and motor M may be of the constant speed direct current type.

A means is provided for preventing the timing gear 25 from being movedinto mesh with pinion gear 45, except when 25 is in its normalillustrated position. This means comprises an arm, or detent, 50,operating about a pivot pin 5|, and normally resting in a horizontalposition against a stop pin 52. The free end of detent extends into thepath of movement of gear 25, when. moved toward pinion 45, but when gear25 is in its normal illustrated position, a notch 54, therein, receivesthe end of detent 50 and allows gear 25 to mesh with pinion gear 45. Theoperation of gear 25 in a clockwise direction by pinion 45 then liftsthe end of detent 50 to a position permitting continued rotation ofwheel 25, inasmuch as detent 50 will then ride upon the edge of wheel25.

The insulating pin 34 of timing gear 25 is employed to operate contactsafter rotating in a clockwise direction from its illustrated position,and these contacts have been illustrated, in Fig. 2, as a flexiblefinger 56 normally contacting with a rigid back finger 51, and operableby pin 34 to disengage back finger 51 and engage a front finger 58.These fingers 55, 51 and 58 are shown in front of timing gear 25 withtheir supporting means removed. These fingers 56, 51 and 58, however,are actually carried by projections 59 on an insulating drum or dial 60,as shown in Fig. l, and the dial 60 is provided with a hub 60 extendingthrough a stationary member 62,whereby dial 60 can be rotatedsubstantiallyconcentrically with gear 25.

A manually operable means for rotating dial 60 from the top of thepresent relay, is provided by a vertical shaft 65, operable from itsupper end, by a knob 63, and provided with a gear 68 at its lower end,meshing with gear teeth formed around the side of dial 60. In thismanner, dial 60 can be conveniently rotated to move contact fingers 5B,51 and 58 to various points around gear 25, whereby to adjust the travelrequired for insulating pin 34 to move contact 55 away from contact 51,and into engagement with contact 58. A jam nut 10 is provided on hub 50of dial 60,

which can be adjusted to provide sufficient friction againstrotation ofdial 60, to prevent its movement other than by shaft 65.

The operation of the present device may be explained with reference toFig. 2, which shows one method of connecting the internal elements.Inasmuch as Fig. v2 is a sectional view 01 Fig. 1, only one half of themagnetic structure, comprising only one main winding 12 and only oneauxiliary winding 2% would ordinarily be shown. but in order to show theelectrical connections of the various elements in connection with Fig.2, the other main winding 14, and the other auxiliary winding 2! hasbeen illustrated to the left of windings I2 and 20 respectively, theactual mechanical arrangement of these parts, however, being as shown inFig. l.

*The present time element device is illustrated as operable from analternating current source of energy, and is controlled by a switch S,which can be a manually operable switch, or contacts on a relay, or anyother device by which the present time element relay is to becontrolled. When switch S is closed, motor M is energized to rotatepinion gear 45 in a counter clockwise direction, by current flowing fromone terminal of an alternating current source, AC, through switch S,over wires and 16, through contacts 55-51, wire ll, through contacts 36and 39, wire 68, through the motor M, and back to the other terminal ofalternating current source AC over wires 19 and 80.

The main windings l2 and M, are likewise en.- ergized when switch S isclosed, but when the relay is controlled from an alternating currentsource, as illustrated, the windings are energized alternately withundirectional current, through rectifier units 83 and 85 respectively.In other words, current during one half of an alternating current cycle,flows from the source AC, through switch S. over wires 15 and 81,through winding l2, wire 87., rectifierunit 83, and back to the otherterminal of the source AC, over wire 84. During the other half of thealternating current cycle, current flows in the opposite directionthrough this circuit, and consequently is blocked by rectifier 83, butpasses through the oppositely arranged rectifier 85, to now flow throughwire Sit and winding l4, instead of wire 82 and winding 5'2. Thewindings l2 and M are arranged, as shown, so that a unidirectional fluxin their common magnetic circuit is produced by this alternateenergization.

The contacts 35 and 39 of the present device are adjusted to positionthe armature, as shown in Fig. 2, wherein the air gap separating thearmature extensions Hi and 5 from the lower pole pieces H3 and I8 isconsiderably shorter (or has less reluctance), than the air gap sepa"rating the main portion of the armature Hi from the upper pole pieces 8and 9. In this manner, a considerably greater portion of the total fluxproduced by the energization of main windings l2 and i4, flows through.this shorter air gap; that is, the greater part of flux flows, forexample, downwardly through core I2, downwardly through core l6, intoarmature extension li through armature ii], through armature extensionHi and upwardly through cores l8 and 6. Consequently the armatureextensions Hi and iii are attacteol toward pole pieces I6 and I8 by theenergization of windings l2 and M, which movement of the armature causesfinger 36 to overcome the trapped biasing force of finger 39 and therebyengages the timing gear 25 with the pinion gear 45.

The pinion gear 45 now rotates the timing gear 25, slowly, in aclockwise direction, until the insulated pin 34 engages contact 56. Whencontacts 56 and 5B are closed by pin 34, auxiliary windings 2H and 2|are connected, in multiple with windings I2 and M, respectively. Inother words, the joined lower ends of windings and 2! are connected tothe joined lower ends of windings l2 and I4, over wire 88, throughcontacts tit- 56, and over wires '16 and 8|.

I The auxiliary windings 20 and H now being connected in multiple withthe main windings l2 and M, respectively, are energized withcorresponding directions of current, but these auxiliary windings .29and 2| are arranged in a manner relatively opposite to their respectivemulti-- ple windings l2 and 14 so that winding 20 produces a fluxopposing that produced by winding iii and winding 2| produces a fluxopposing that produced by winding 14. Consequently, it will be clearthat the flux previously flowing through the lower cores IE5 and IE willbe greatly reduced,

or may be entirely eliminated, if the magnetic" structure is properlyproportioned. The armature extensions m and 10 will now no longer beattracted toward the pole pieces I6 and I8 but the flux produced byenergization of the main windings l2 and M will now flow between polepieces 8 and 9, and through the main portion of armature l6, regardlessof the increased air gap, thereby resulting in an upward attraction ofthe armature.

Motor M was deenergized as soon as pin 34" disengaged contact 56 fromcontact 51, and the upward attraction of armature l0 disengages thetiming gear from pinion gear and allows spring M to return gear 25 in acounter clockwise direction to its normal position. En

circuit passing from one terminal of the alternating current source AC,through switch S. wires 75 and 16, contacts 5li-5'l, wire Tl, contacts365-455, wire 9!, through the windings of relay R, and back to the otherterminal of the alternating current source over wires 92 and 8&3.

The windings 28 and 2i are, of course, deenergized, as soon as pin 34allows contacts 56 and 58 to open, upon the attraction of the armature,but armature, Hi still remains in its upper position against pole pieces8 and 9, due to the small air gap through which the flux produced by theenergization of windings l2 and I l flows, in passing between polepieces Sand 9. When switch S is opened, windings I2 and M aredeenergized and the armature immediately returns to its normal,illustrated, position. Inasmuch the timing gear 25 has previouslyassumed i s normal position, the operation of the device may be repeatedimmediately after armature l0 thus assumes its normal position.

A time element device has thus been provided wherein the closing of itscontrolling circuit starts a constant speed motor, and applies energy toone winding on its magnetic structure. to opcrate an armature in onedirection which starts operation of arotary contact operating means, bythe constant speed motor. The contacts operated thereby, can also bepositioned so that various lengths of time may be required before thisrotary operating means completes a circuit energizing a second windingon the magnetic structure, which operates the armature in a differentdirection, thereby deenerizing the motor and operating the contacts forthe external time controlled circuits.

The armature remains in its last operated position as long as energy isapplied to the controlling circuit, but energy is only consumed by oneof the windings of the magnetic structure, the other winding and themotor being deenergized. The rotary contact operating means alsoimmediately returns to its normal position preparatory for a subsequentoperation, but in the event some abnormal condition prevents the returnof this contact operating means to exactly the proper starting position,the motor can not again function to close the contacts operated thereby,thus preventing such an abnormal condition from causing a shorter thancontemplated operating time.

It will also be clear that the normally made contacts 56 and 51, whichare included in the energizing circuit for motor M, as well as theexternal time controlled circuit, checks the proper return of themovable contact 56 to its normal position, after operation. In otherwords, if some abnormal condition causes contact 56 to stick in aposition engaging contact 58, the external time controlled circuit torelay R cannot be closed and the motor M cannot be energized, due to theopen circuit at contacts 56 and 51,, thereby preventing such an abnormalcondition from allowing the external time controlled circuit to beclosed immediately after closing the control switch S.

In describing this first form of the invention, attention has beendirected to one specific embodiment thereof, without attempting to pointout the various alternate or optional features of construction, or thedifferent organizations or combinations that may be provided. Forexample, if the motor M is to be operated from a direct current source,the rectifiers 83 and 85 will, of course. be unnecessary, and thewindings of the magnetic structure will be energized directly from thecontrolling circuit. It will also be clear that in the event thecontrolling means S is located at a remote point, requiring a longcontrol circuit, the auxiliary windings 20 and 2I may be energized froma separate local source of energy. Likewise under such conditions, themotor M could be energized locally through a contact (not shown),operated by armature I0, to close the motor energizing circuit only whenthe armature is operated downwardly from its normal position, due to theenergization of the main windings I2 and I4 only.

A second form of this invention, which differs slightly both instructure and circuit arrangement, from the form described above, isillustrated in a wholly diagrammatic manner in Figs. 3-6 inclusive. Inthese figures the parts are shown in various different operativepositions.

Referring to Fig. 3, it can be seen that the magnetic structure issubstantially identical with that described in connection with the firstform. This structure involves two main cores 93 and 94, carrying mainwindings 95 and 96; and two auxiliary cores 91 and 98, carryingauxiliary windings 99 and I00. The upper ends of the two main cores areinterconnected by back straps I00 while the lower ends of the main coresare connected to the upper ends of the auxiliary cores, by laterallyextending magnetic members IOI (only one of which can properly be shownin the figure in question).

Likewise, the armature has an upper portion I02 and lower dependingportions I03 (only one of which can properly be shown in this figure),for coacting with main pole shoes I04, and aux iliary pole shoes I05, bymovement on its pivots I06, in the same manner as in the above describedfirst form of invention.

Carried by the armature, by means of insulating blocks I01, are contactfingers, such as I08 and I09, coacting with front contacts H0 and IIIrespectively, and back contacts H2 and H3 respectively.

The timing gear H4, is pivoted at I I5, to arms I I6, which are carriedby the armature, whereby the timing gear can be moved by the armature tomesh its teeth III, with the pinion gear IIO, on the driving motor Mwhich motor, in this particular case, is shown as a constant speeddirect current motor, of any desired structure, but preferably of thetype as disclosed in the Field application, Ser. No. 198,928, filedMarch 30, 1938, for Direct current motor.

The timing gear carries an insulated pin II9, which is positioned tooperate movable contact fingers I20 and I2 I, to make and break withfixed fingers I22 and I23, by means of a toggle operator. The toggleoperator comprises a forked member I24, pivoted at I25, to a fixed partof the relay casing, and carrying a contact operating block I26. Theother end of member I24 is pivoted at I21, to a rod I28, slid-able in afixed support I29, and carrying a biasing spring I30.

While the operation of this form of time element device is very similarto that described in connection with the first form of the invention,the structure and circuits involved are somewhat different, as appearfrom the above description and the following description, of theoperation of the device.

Upon closing a control means, such as the switch S energy is applied tothe two auxiliary windings 99 and I00, in series, through contact fingerI09 and its back point, to thereby attract the depending armature partsI03, to the pole shoes I03 In this form of invention, the relationshipof the air gaps between the armature in its normally biased position, asshown in Fig. 3, and the main pole pieces, and the auxiliary polepieces, need not be as described in connection with the first form.These gaps are preferably about equal, but regardless of this, it isclear that the energization of the auxiliary windings 99 and I00 canresult in the movement of the armature in one direction only, and henceno differential effect need be depended upon.

The movement of the armature, as just described, closes normally openback contact II 3, to thereby energize motor M through a circuit obviousfrom the drawings, and to mesh the timing gear I I4, with the motorpinion I I8. The pin II9, after a period of time determined by theposition of the toggle member I24, operates to snap the toggle to itsopposite, and operated, position, whereby to open contact finger I 2|and back point, and close contact finger I20 and back point.

The closure of contact finger I20 on its back point, completes a circuitthrough one of the main windings; in the particular case in Fig. 3, thewinding 96; whereby to produce a flux, as

indicated by the arrows, in a direction to oppose the flux produced bythe auxiliary windings, and to overcome this flux and cause the armatureto move to position the armature part I02 against the main pole shoesI04. This results in opening the circuit through the auxiliary windings,at contact finger I68 and back point, and close a circuit throughcontact finger I08 and front point which includes the two main windings95 andSIi, in series, to thereby stick the armature in its picked upposition.

The. movement of the armature to its upper position, deenergizes motor Mand moves the timing gear II4 out of engagement with the motor pinion II8, whereby to permit the spring I3! to return the timing gear to theposition shown from point III, whereby to complete thetimed circuit,which passes from through wire I32, contact finger H39 and front point,wire I33, contact finger I23 and front point, contact finge 12!, andwire 534, to

, It will be noted that in this second form of the invention, theinitial operation of the armature not dependent upon a differential airgap between the armature and the two pairs of pole shoes. It furtherwill bejnoted that the pick up circuit for the armature includes but oneoi the main windings, whereby to include less induct ance in the circuitthan would be the case if the two main windings were included in series.This permits the flux to build up more rapidly and hence permits thearmature to pick up and complete its stick circuit through back pointIII), before the return of the timing gear can effect the opening ofcontact finger I29 and back point, which, of. course, opens the pick-upcircuit. Also, after being picked up, the armatureis stuck up throughthe two main windings in'series, whereby to save energy, since with theresistance greater, the current will be less, and the energy consumptioncorrespondingly less.

In connection with the just described pick-up and stick circuits, it iscontemplated that the two main windings will be comprised of the samenumber of turns, of the same sized wire, whereby the pick-up and thestick circuits will include the same number of ampere turns. If desired,however, in order to obtain a more speedy pick .up, so that it can bemore certainly assured that thearmature has picked up and completed itsstick circuit before the timing gear has had time .to open the pick-upcircuit, themain winding 96 can include the same number of turns as,.ora greater number of turns than, the main winding Q5, and be comprised ofwire of a larger cross section, whereby to produce a greaternumber ofpick-up ampere turns, than the stick-up ampere turns.

In one commercial application of this relay, the windings on the maincores are so arranged that the pick-up ampere turns, are approximately50% in excess of the stick-up ampere turns. 4 v

Referring now to figures of drawing 4, 5 and 6, showing differentoperation positions of the time element during its operative cycle, itcan be noted that 3 shows the relay in its deenergized povsition whereinthe armature is biased, by means to be described below, to make upcontact finger I08 with its back point and to position contact with. thetiming gear out of engagement with the motor driven pinion, and with theoperating pin IE9 biased by' spring I 3| to its initial position againstone edge of the bracket II6.

In Fig. 4 is shown the position assumed by the parts prior to the pinhaving moved to a position .to operate the toggle, but after switch Shas been closed, and the motor has operated the timing gear through aportion of its travel.

In 5 is shown the positions assumed just after the toggle has beenoperated, and contact fingers 522i and 529 have been, respectively,opened and closed, with respect to their back points, and before thearmature has picked up to disengage the drive pinion from the timinggear. In 6 is shown the positions assumed by the parts after the cycleof operation has been completed, and the. timed circuit has beencompleted, but before the control switch S has been opened. Upon theopening of switch S the parts shown in Fig. 6 will return to the normalpositions assumed upon deenergization, and as shown 'in Fig. 3.

Refer now to Fig. 7 in which is shown a third form of the invention, ina wholly diagrammatic manner. In connection with the second form ofinvention, shown diagrammatically in Figs. 3-6, it can be seen that thetimed circuit is completed after the armature has picked up and thetiming gear has returned suificiently to cause the pin lit to move thetoggle back to its original position. This of course, occurs at a pointof form of the invention, there is a check against the timing gear notstarting to return, but there is no check requiring that it be fullyreturned.

In the third form of invention, as shown in Fig. '7, the return of thetiming gear to its initial position, is checked, whereby, if, foranyreason whatsoever, the timing gear does not return to its originalposition, the timed circuit is not completed. I

* While the. schematic showing of Fig. 7 is quite different from theactual structure employed, as

will be readily apparent, as the description progresses, it is believedthat a brief consideration of Fig. 7 will aid in an understanding of themanner in which this third form of invention operates to check thecomplete return of the timing ear.

In Fig. '7 is shown a drive motor M which is of the direct current type,and can be of a construction such as referred to above in connectionwith the secondform of invention. This motor drives a pinion I35, whichat times engages with teeth I35, on a timing gear I31, normallypositioned by a biasing spring I38, to assume an initial positionagainst a fixed stop I39. Carried by the timing gear I31 is an arm I40,which, in the initial position, as shown, bears against a detent I4I, ona ratchet member I42, having ratchet teeth I43, and a projecting pinI44.

The ratchet member I42 carries an arm I45,

received in a slot I46, in a contact operator I41. The contact operatorhas connected to it, at I48 and I49, two movable contact fingers I50 andI5I, coacting with fixed contacts I52 and I53, carried by contactfingers I54 and I55, the contact finger I54 having a pressure arm I56and a stop arm I51. Contact finger I55 has an inwardly projecting endportion I58, which first contacts, upon movement of member I41, with theside of contact finger I5I, and as the movement continues, slides alongfinger I5I to finally reach the end and snap thereover, whereby toproduce a snap action contact between the finger I5I, and its backcontact I53.

The contact fingers, and contact operator I41, are all carried on a dialI59, which has a means for adjusting its initial position, as in thecase with the other forms of invention described. This adjusting meansincludes teeth I60, on the dial, coacting with a pinion I6I, on a stemI62, and operable by means of a head I63. The dial I59,

and the ratchet member I42, are interconnected,

so as to normally move together, but upon a movement of the ratchetwheel, in a downward direction as viewed in Fig. 7, and relative to dialI59, the contact operator I41, is moved against the spring tension ofthe contact fingers, to first open contact finger I50 and back point,and then later to close contact finger I5I and back point.

While the core and coil structures involved in this third form of theinvention have not been shown in Fig. '1, they are the same as in thesecond form described, so it can be readily understood, from What haspreceded, that, as in the second form of invention described, uponenergizing the timing element device, the armature is pulled down, toenergize motor M and mesh the teeth I36 on the timing gear with thedrive pinion I35. Pinion I35 then operates to move the timing gearagainst the tension of spring I38, to first cause arm I40 to move outfrom under the detent MI, and hence to engage teeth I43. A short timebefore the time to be measured elapses, arm I40 engages pin I44, tothereby move ratchet member I42, and with it arm I45, to in turn movecontact operator I41, in a downward direction, as viewed in Fig. '7.This movement of the contact operator first opens contact finger I50 andback point, and hence opens the timed circuit, in the same manner aswith contact finger I2I, and back point, of Fig. 3.

Shortly thereafter, contact finger I5I and back point snap closed, tothereby complete a pick-up circuit, in the same manner as accomplishedin Fig. 3, by contact finger I22 and back point. This results, incausing the armature to pick up, in deenergizing the motor, and inmoving the timing gear out of mesh with the motor pinion to permit thespring I 38 to return the timing gear to its initial position.

In the case of this third form (Fig. '1) the return of the timing gearI31, must be practically completed before arm I40 reaches the positionwhere it can raise detent MI, and allow the contact fingers, under theurge of their trapped tension, to return to the positions shown in Fig.'1, and, by way of arm I45, return the ratchet member I42 to its initialposition, as shown, and with respect to its interconnected dial I59.

Thus, it can be appreciated, that the timed circuit is not completed,until the timing gear has returned substantially to its initialposition. Furthermore, contact I53 which, when closed, completes thepick-up circuit for the armature, remains closed until the timing gearhas fully returned to its initial position, and hence remains closed alonger time than in the case of the second form, described above. Thispermits the armature a longer period for pick up, in order to completeits stick circuit, and hence makes the device less marginal than in thesecond form. With such an increase in the time during which the pick-upcircuit is closed, it is entirely possible that the pick-up circuitcould include the two main windings in series, but in order to provide avery possibly redundant operation margin, it is contemplated that thecircuit arrangement in connection with this third form of invention,will be the same as that described in connection with the second form ofinvention.

Referring now to Fig. 8, there is here shown in a somewhat diagrammatic,but also in a somewhat structural form, an embodiment of the second formof invention. The circuit arrangement is exactly the same as describedabove in connection with Fig. 3. In this Fig. 8, it can be readily seenjust how the magnetic structure is arranged, and just how the variousparts are mounted, and supported, and adjusted.

In Fig. 8 can be seen the main and auxiliary I cores, with the maincores interconnected at their upper ends by the back strap I00 and withthe lower ends of the main cores interconnected to the upper ends of theauxiliary cores, by the horizontal extending portions IOI. Carried bythe armature is the timing gear II4, supported by a bracket I64. Asexplained in connection with the diagrammatic showing of this secondform of invention, the pin II9, carried by the timing gear, operatestoggle I24 to control the sets of contacts I2II23 and I22I20.

The toggle operated contacts are adjustable in position, so as to varythe timing of the device, in much the same manner as set forth inconnection with the first described form of invention. These contactsare carried by a dial I65, having teeth I66, that mesh with a pinionI61, carried by an adjusting stem I68, having a thumb screw I69, forturning the same, whereby the position of the contacts can be varied.The stem I68 bears, at its lower end, against a fixed portion I10 of thecasing, and carried by this portion I10, is a pointer I1I, adjustable bymeans of a slot and coacting screw I12, to initially adjust the pointerand care for inaccuracies during the manufacture oi the device. Markedon the dial can be various numbers, coacting with the pointer, toindicate the time to be measured by the device.

Referring now to Fig. 9, which shows the structure of a commercial formof the second form of invention, it can be seen that the pointer I1 I isadjusted, by means of the stem I66, as just described, and the stem I68can be held in adjusted position, by means of a set screw I13, or thelike.

Also, the means for turning the stem I68, can be in the form of aslotted end I14, and this end can be normally protected against misuseby a cap I15, carrying an opening I16, for a sealing means (not shown).

In Fig. 9 can be seen the position of the motor M which is springmounted on a pivoted bracket 200 by a stem I11, passing through a fixedportion I18, of the device, and receiving a head I13, and a sleevedspring I80, whereby to resiliently support the motor.

The device as a whole, is received within a casgig I8I, which can bemade of glass or other thermo-plastic material, and is preferablytransparent, whereby to facilitate inspection. Casing 3| is connected toa top plate I82, of insulating material, by means of a threaded stemI83, carrying a tightening nut I84 on its outer end.

In Fig. 10 is clearly shown the position, in the casing, of one of theauxiliary windings, together with the adjusting means for the dial, andthe position assumed by the armature I02-I03, with respect to the mainpole shoes I04, and auxiliary pole shoes I63 Referring to Figs. 11 and15, there is here shown, in considerable detail, a means for adjustingthe tension of spring I31 which biases and returns the timing gear. Asbest seen in Fig. 15, timing gear Il4 carries an annular boss I83,fastened thereto by pins I84, to thus form a cup shaped member withinwhich is received spring I3I. Covering this cup is a top plate I85,having a plurality of notches I86, in its periphery, to receive aninturned finger I81, on support arm IIB, whereby to hold plate I85 infixed position with respect to carrying arm II6. Carried on.

spindle H5, is a hub I88, to which is fixed the top plate I85, andpunched inwardly from the top plate is a holding finger I89, to whichone end of spring I3I is fastened. The other end of spring I3! isfastened, at I96, to the receiving cup.

With the construction just described, it can be seen that the returnspring is fastened, at one end to the timing gear, and at the other endto a member, the carrying arm I16, which is fixed relatively to thetiming gear. Further, it can be seen that by pushing or springing thetop plate I85 slightly inwardly, to disengage it from detent I81, theplate can be turned to adjust the tension of spring HM, and then allowedto spring back and engage one of its notches I86 with the finger I81, tomaintain the adjusted position of the spring.

In Fig. II can be seen the spring support for motor M together withanadjusting screw I9I, for varying the initial position of the motor, itbeing apparent, when the timing gear is moved by the armature to meshwith the pinion of the motor, that the motor can move slightly, due toits spring support, to readily and accurately interengage thecooperating teeth.

In Fig. 12, and the sectional view thereof, constituting Fig. 14, isshown in detail the toggle operating member having the pivoted toggleportion I24 operated by pin H9, which, in the actual constructionemployed, is not round, as shown in diagrammatic Figs. 3-6, but, as hereshown, is rectangular in section.

Referring now to Fig. 13, it can be seen that the external circuitsconnected to the time element relay, are connected by way of a plugcoupler, having a detachable socket member 1&2, and a plug member I83,which receives the socket member I 94 and which is carried by the topplate I82 of the relay. The plug and socket elements are, respectively,I92 and 93 In this Fig. 13, can be readily seen the biasing means forinitially positioning the armature in a midposition, so that contactfinger I69 (Fig. 3), is substantially midway between its front and backfixed points III and H3. This biasing means is constituted by a springI94, received in a socket I85, in the top plate I82, and projectingdownwardly to an adjusting screw I96, carried by the armature I132 and alike spring I91, positioned between an adjusting screw I98, carried by afixed part I99 of the frame, and the depending armature portion I03. Byadjusting these two springs, it can be readily appreciated that thearmature can be readily biased to the desired position.

In this Fig. 13, can also be seen the actual construction of the movablecontact finger I08, coacting with its front point H0, and normallymaking up its back point I I2 (Fig. 3).

Also in Fig. 13 is shown the fixed frame portion 1 I18, through whichpasses the threaded bolt I83, and to which frame the bolt is fixed bynuts 21H. In this fixed part I18, is the adjusting screw ISI, wherebythe spring mounted motor M as above described, can be adjusted on itspivot support 202.

The third form of invention, as embodied in an actual commercialstructure, is shown in Figs. 17-19 inclusive, and is essentially thesame as described in connection with the schematic showing of Fig. '7.

In the same manner as in the above description, a motor of the constantspeed type, drives pinion I35, which can be engaged with teeth I36, on atiming gear I31, carried by a stop arm I39. and positioned, as by aspring I38, to assume an initial position against the stop arm I39.Carried by the timing gear, is an extending arm I413 which, in theinitial position, as shown, bears against a detent I4I, which isanchored, as at 205, to a fixed part of the casing, and bears against aratchet wheel I42, having teeth I43, and in turn carrying a projectingarm I 44.

The ratchet wheel I42, carries an arm I55, received in a slot I45, in acontact operator I41. The contact operator hasconnected to it, as at MI!and I49, two movable contact fingers I59 and I5I, which coact with fixedcontacts I52 and I53, respectively, carried by contact fingers I54 andI55. Contact finger I54 is provided with a pressure plate I56, and astop plate I51. Contact finger I55 has an inwardly projecting endportion I 58, which first contacts, upon movement of member I41, withthe side of contact finger NH, and as the movement continues, this partI58 slides along finger I5I to finally reach the end thereof and snapthereover, whereby to produce a snap-action contact between finger NHand its back point I53...

The contact fingers and contact operator are all carried on a dial I59,which has means for adjusting it initially, as in the case of the otherforms of invention described above. justing means includes teeth I60, onthe dial, coacting with a pinion I61, on a stem I62, which can beoperated manually, as described in connection with the other forms ofinvention. Dial I59 and ratchet member I42 are interconnected, so as tonormally move together. Upon a movement of the ratchet wheel in adownward direction, as viewed in Fig. 16, the contact operator I41 hasmoved against the spring tension. of the contact fingers, to first opencontact I56 and back point, and then later to close contact finger I5!on its back point. 1

Arm I44, which coacts with arm I40, and through which the timing geardrives the ratchet Wheel, is fastened to the ratchet wheel by means of abreak-down connection. As shown in Figs.

18 and 19, this arm I44 is pivoted to the ratchet wheel at 254, near itsouter end, and at its. inner end, has a depressed inwardly bulgingportion 205, which is received in an opening 286 in the ratchet wheel.By means of this structure, if the drive motor should fail to stopdriving shortly after having operated the contacts, injury might be doneto the various parts if it were not for this break-down connection. Inthe event the drive continues beyond the time intended, arm I44 willturn on its pivot with This adthe depressed portion 205 moving out ofthe aperture 205 and thus allow the driving arm I40 to move, free fromany hindrance. As can be seen in Fig. 17, there is a mutilated portion201 in the timing gear, whereby to stop the driving by pinion I35, ifthe motor should overrun to any extent.

As described in connection with the schematic showing of this form ofinvention (Fig. '7), the operation is as therein described. Pinion I35drives the timing gear, and by means of arm I4I striking arm I44, theratchet wheel is turned relatively to the dial I59, whereby to operatethe contacts, as described above. At the start of the driving of timinggear I31, arm I40 moves out from under a cam portion 208, on detent I4I,to permit the detent to engage with its associated teeth. Thus, upon thecontacts being operated, and the motor deenergized, and disengaged fromthe timing gear, the timing gear is returned by its spring to itsinitial position, but the contacts are held in their operated positiondue to the detent holding the ratchet wheel in its operated position. Itis only upon practical completion of the return movement of the timinggear, that arm I40 cams the detent out of engagement with the teeth onthe ratchet wheel, whereupon the contacts which are springy, and biasedto the positions shown in Fig. 1'7, rotates ratchet wheel I42 backwardlyrelative to the dial, and permits the contacts to restore themselves totheir initial position.

In this regard, it can be seen, from Fig, 16, that the ratchet wheel isrotatably mounted, at 209, on a hub 2I0, carried by the dial I59. Withthis construction, on adjusting the position of the dial by means ofstem I62, the dial, with its contacts and ratchet wheel, all movetogether, and hence the distance between the ratchet wheel arm I44 andthe drive arm I4I can be varied, and hence the timing can be varied. Itcan be noted that even though additional parts including the ratchetwheel, etc., for checking the complete return of the timing gear, havebeen employed, still the means for adjusting the measured time isunchanged from the other forms described above, and lends itself to thesame simple type of adjustment as in the other forms described.

The above rather specific descriptions of several forms of the presentinvention, have been given solely by way of example, and are notintended, in any way whatsoever, to be limiting. It is desired to beunderstood that all such modifications and variations in constructionand arrangement of parts, as may prove desirable, are intended to becovered by the present application, except insofar as they are excludedby the scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, I now claim:

1. In a time element device, an electromagnetic structure, an armature,a first winding on the electromagnetic structure efiective whenenergized to operate the armature in a first direction, an electricmotor energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, atime-measuring means driven by the electric motor when the armature isoperated in said first direction, contacts operated by the timemeasuring means, and a second winding on the electromagnetic structurecontrolled by the contacts for operating the armature in a seconddirection.

2. In a time element device, an electromagnetic structure, an armature,a first winding on the electromagnetic structure effective whenenergized to operate the armature in a first direction, an electricmotor energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, atime-measuring means driven by the electric motor when the armature isoperated in said first direction, contacts operated by thetime-measuring means, a second winding on the electromagnetic structurecontrolled by the contacts for operating the armature in a seconddirection, and means for restoring the time-measuring means to itsoriginal position upon operation of the armature in said seconddirection.

3. In a time element device, an electromagnetic structure, an armature,a first winding on the electromagnetic structure efiective whenenergized to operate the armature in a first direction, an electricmotor energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, atime-measuring means driven by the electric motor when the armature isoperated in said first direction, contacts operated by thetime-measuring means, a second winding on the electromagnetic structurecontrolled by the contacts for operating the armature in a seconddirection, means for restoring the time-measuring means to its originalposition upon operation of the armature in said second direction, andmeans permitting subsequent operation of the time-measuring means by theelectric motor only when the time-measuring means is restored to itsoriginal position.

4. In a time element relay, a pivoted armature, a first magneticstructure above the armature, a second magnetic structure joined to thefirst magnetic structure and extending below the armature, biasing meansnormally positioning the armature closer to the second magneticstructure than to the first magnetic structure, a winding on the firstmagnetic structure effective when energized to attract the armaturetoward the second magnetic structure, a winding on the second magneticstructure arranged to oppose the effect of the winding on the firstmagnetic structure and cause attraction of the armature toward the firstmagnetic structure, front and back contacts operated by the armature, anelectric motor energized through a back armature contact, a rotarycontact operating means movable by attraction of the armature toward thesecond magnetic structure into a position operab le by the electricmotor, and contacts controlling the'energization of the winding on thesecond magnetic structure and operated by various degrees of rotation ofthe contact operating means.

5. In. a time element relay, a pivoted armature, a first magneticstructure above the armature, a second magnetic structure joined to thefirst magnetic structure and extending below the armature, biasing meansnormally positioning the armature closer to the second magneticstructure than to the first magnetic structure, a winding on the firstmagnetic structure effective when energized to attract the armaturetoward the second magnetic structure, a winding on the second magneticstructure arranged to oppose the effect of the winding on the firstmagnetic structure and cause atttraction of the armature toward thefirst magnetic structure, front and back contacts operated by thearmature, an electric motor energized through a back armature contact, arotary contact operating means movable by attraction of the armaturetoward the second magnetic structure into a position operable by theelectric motor, contacts controlling the energization of the winding onthe second magnetic structure and operated by various degrees'ofrotation of the contact operating means, biasing means returning thecontact operating means to a normal position, and a detent forpreventing movement of the contact operating means into said positionoperable by the electric motor except when in said normal position.

6. In a time element device, an armature movable to either of twoextreme positions, means biasing the armature to an intermediateposition, a substantially constant speed electric motor, a movabletiming means carried by the armature, electromagnetic means coactingwith the armature for moving the armature to one extreme position andthe timing means to be driven by the motor, contacts operated by thetiming means,

means for adjusting the travel of the timing termediate position andmoving the timing means into drive position with said driver, contactsoperated by the timing means, means for adjus ing the travel of thetiming means necessary to operate the contacts, electromagnetic meanscontrolled by the contacts and coacting with the armature for moving thearmature and moving the timing means out of drive position with saiddriver, and means permitting movement of the timing means into driveposition with said driver only when the timing means is in apredetermined normal position.

8. A time element device for a control circuit comprising, a driverdriven by a translating device, a movable timing means, means biasingthe timing means to a normal position, an armature operable in onedirection to move the timing means against its bias so as to be drivenby said driver, contacts operated by a predetermined movement of thetiming means, and other means controlled by operation of the contactsfor operating the armature in a different direction to make the controlcircuit effective.-

,9. A time element device comprising, a drive member driven by anelectric motor, a movable timing means biased to a normal position, anarmature operable in one direction to operatively connect the drivemember and timing means, contacts operated by a predetermined movementof the timing means, means controlled by operation of the contacts: foroperating the armature in a different direction, and means permittingenergization of the electric motor only when the contactsare inv anormal position.

10. A time element device comprising a driver driven by a prime mover, atimer biased to a normal position, an armature operable to one positionto operatively connect the timer and the driver, contacts controlled bya predetermined operation of the timer, means controlled by the contactsfor operating and holding the armature ina second position, and contactmeans operated by the armature in the second position for opening thecircuit for the prime mover.

11. In a time element device, in combination, a

substantially constant speed driving means, an armature, an actuatingmeans connected to the driving means by operation of the armature in onedirection, contacts controlled by the actuating meanaand meanscontrolled by the contacts for operating the armature in a differentdirection.

12. In a time element, a translating device, a time measuring means,magnetically controlled means for energizing the device and opcrativelyconnecting the measuring means to the device, contacts operable by themeasuring means, circuit means controlled by the contacts when operatedto cause the magnetic means to deenergize the device and disconnect themeasuring means from the device, and maintain the device and measuringmeans in such condition after the contacts have been restored to normal,and means for restoring the measuring means and contacts to normal.

13. In a time element device for controlling atiming circuit, anarmature biased to an inter mediate position, a drive member driven by aconstant speed electric motor, a timing member carried by the armature,electromagnetic means coacting with the armature for operativelyconnecting the timing member and drive member, contacts operated by thetiming member, means for adjusting the travel of the timing membernecessary to operate the contacts, electromagnetic means controlled bythe contacts, when operated, and coacting with the armature for movingthe armature and moving the timing member out of mesh with the piniongear and initiating control of said timing circuit.

14. In a timing device, in combination, a single magnetic core formed toprovide two spaced air gaps, an armature movable to either of twoextreme positions to close one or the other of said gaps, means biasingthe armature to a position intermediate the two extreme positions, twoseparate windings on the core, connected to produce opposing m. m. ifswhen energized and arranged on the core, one between the two air gapsand the other to one side of both air gaps, and timing contactscontrolled by the armature.

15. In a timing device, in combination, a single magnetic core formed toprovide two spaced air gaps, an armature movable to either oftwo extremepositions to close one or the other of said gaps, means biasing thearmature to a position intermediate the two extremepositions, twoseparate windings on the core, connected to produce opposing m. m. fiswhen energized and arranged on the core, one between the two air gapsand the other to one side of both air gaps, the armature being biased soas to move a shorter distance to close the air gap remote from saidother winding than it must move to close the other air gap, and timingcontacts controlled by the armature.

16. In a timing device, in combination, a single magnetic core formed toprovide two spaced air gaps, an armature movable to either of twoextreme positions to close one or the other of said gaps, means biasingthe armature to a position intermediate the two extreme positions, twoseparate windings on the core, connected to produce o1c posir m. m. ifswhen energized and arranged on the core, one between the two air gapsand the other to one side of both air gaps, whereby the energization ofonly the winding between the air gaps causes the armature to move toclose the remote from the other Winding, and the energization of boththe windings, causes the armature to move to close the other gap,

and timing contacts controlled by the armature.

17. In a timing device, in combination, a single magnetic core formed toprovide two spaced air gaps, an armature movable to eitherof two extremepositions to close one or the other of said gaps, means biasing thearmature to a position intermediate the two extreme positions to form alonger air, gap between the armature and the core at one gap than at theother, two separate windings on the core, connected to produce opposingm. m. f.s when energized and arranged on the core, one between the twoair gaps and the other to one side of both air gaps, the air gap betweenthe armature and core and remote from said other winding being shorterthan that between the armature and the other air gap, whereby theenergization of said other winding causes the armature to move to closethe gap remote from the energized winding, and the energization of bothof the windings at the same time causes the armature to move to closethe other gap, and timing contacts controlled by the armatura.

18. In a time element relay, in combination, a pair of main cores eachcarrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe, a pair of auxiliarycores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe positioned atan angle to the main shoes, magnetic means interconnecting the two setsof cores, an armature having a main and an auxiliary part pivotedadjacent the shoes, circuit means to energize the auxiliary coils toattract the auxiliary armature part to the auxiliary shoes, circuitmeans for energizing a main coil to attract the main armature part tothe main shoes, and other circuit means, including a contact closed whenthe armature is attracted by the main shoes, for energizing the maincoils in series.

19. In a time element relay, in combination, a pair of main cores eachcarrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe, a pair of auxiliarycores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe positioned atan angle to the main shoes, magnetic means interconnecting the two setsof cores, an armature having a main and an auxiliary part pivotedadjacent the shoes, circuit means including a normally closed contact,which is opened when the armature is attracted by the main shoes, toenergize the auxiliary coils in series to attract the auxiliary armaturepart to the auxiliary shoes, circuit means for energizing one main coilonly to produce flux bucking the -fiux produced by the auxiliary coilsand attract the main armature part to the main shoes, and other circuitmeans, including a contact closed when the armature is attracted by themain shoes, for energizing the main coils in series.

20. In a time element relay, in combination, a pair of main cores eachcarrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe, a pair of auxiliarycores each carrying a coil and terminating in a pole shoe positioned atan angle to the main shoes, magnetic means interconnecting the two setsof cores, an armature having a main and an auxiliary part pivotedadjacent the shoes, circuit means including a normally closed contact,which is opened when the armature is attracted by the main shoes, toenergize the auxiliary coils in series to attract the auxiliary armaturepart to the auxiliary shoes, circuit means for energizing one main coilonly to produce flux bucking the flux produced by the auxiliary coilsand attract the main armature part to the main shoes, and other circuitmeans, including a contact closed when the armature is attracted by themain shoes, for energizing the main coils in series, the ampere turnsproduced by the one main coil being substantially equal to the ampereturns produced by the main coils in series.

21. In a time element device, an electromag netic structure, anarmature, a first winding on the electromagnetic structure effectivewhen energized to operate the armature in a first direction, atranslating device energized when the armature is operated in said firstdirection, a time-measuring means driven by the translating device whenthe armature is operated in said first direction, contacts operated bythe time-measuring means, a second winding on the electromagneticstructure controlled by the contacts for operating the armature in asecond direction, means for restoring the time-measuring means to itsoriginal position upon operation of the armature in said seconddirection, and a timed circuit including a front contact closed onlyupon movement of the armature in said second direction and a contactclosed after movement of the armature in said second direction only ifthe time-measuring means starts to return to its original position.

22. In a time element device, an electromagnetic structure, an armature,a first winding on the electromagnetic structure effective whenenergized to operate the armature in a first direction, an electricmotor energized when the armature is operated in said first direction, atimemeasuring means driven by the electric motor when the armature isoperated in said first direction, contacts operated by thetime-measuring means, a second Winding on the electromagnetic structurecontrolled by the contacts for operating the armature in a seconddirection, means for restoring the time-measuring means to its originalposition upon operation of the armature in said second direction, and atimed circuit including a front contact closed only upon movement of thearmature in said second direction and a contact closed after movement ofthe armature in said second direction only if the timemeasuring meanshas returned substantially to its original position.

23. A time element device for a control circuit comprising, a piniongear driven by an electric motor, a gear wheel, means biasing the gearwheel to a normal position, an armature operable in one direction tomove the gear wheel against its bias so as to mesh the gear wheel withthe pinion gear, contacts operated by a predetermined rotation of thegear wheel, and other means controlled by operation of the contacts foroperating the armature in a different direction to make the controlcircuit effective only if the gear wheel has returned to substantiallyits biased normal position.

24. A time element device for a control circuit comprising, a drivemember driven by a translating device, a timing member, means biasingthe timing means to a normal position, an armature operable in onedirection to operatively connect the device member and the timing means,contacts operated by a predetermined movement of the timing means, othermeans controlled by operation of the contacts for operating the armaturein a different direction to make the control circuit effective, one ofsaid contacts being in the control circuit and being opened by saidpredetermined movement of the timing means, and

